Hayao Miyazaki Recalls Early Horrors of WWII (And How It Influenced Studio Ghibli)
In my admiration for Studio Ghibli’s work, I can’t help but notice the recurring motif of conflict woven into their enchanting animations and captivating fantasy realms. Movies like “From Up on Poppy Hill,” “Grave of the Fireflies,” “The Wind Rises,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Princess Mononoke,” and the latest “The Boy and the Heron” all carry poignant references or depictions of the Second World War and the Korean War. Yet, this theme is not merely an engaging narrative device with a profound message. Rather, Studio Ghibli’s preoccupation with war is deeply rooted in Hayao Miyazaki’s personal experiences during World War II.